Editing Physick House (section)

== History ==

=== Henry Hill ===

'''Henry Hill''' built the house in '''1786''' as one of the finest townhouses in Philadelphia:
* Wealthy wine importer
* Leading citizen and patriot
* Member of Continental Congress
* Built during Philadelphia's time as national capital

=== Dr. Philip Syng Physick ===

'''Dr. Philip Syng Physick''' (1768-1837) was America's preeminent surgeon:
* Trained in London and Edinburgh
* Known as the "Father of American Surgery"
* Performed first successful human blood transfusion in America
* Invented surgical instruments still in use
* Treated Chief Justice John Marshall (for bladder stones)
* Treated Dolley Madison and other prominent figures
* Professor at University of Pennsylvania

Physick acquired the house in '''1815''' and lived there until his death.

=== The Society Hill Location ===

The house's location in Society Hill placed it in the heart of elite Philadelphia:
* Near the waterfront and commercial district
* Surrounded by other wealthy residents
* Close to Pennsylvania Hospital (where Physick practiced)

=== Preservation ===

The '''Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks''' acquired and restored the house, opening it as a museum in '''1966'''.